Nov 10

We had a dual-mission to accomplish today.  Before lunch we worked construction on the warehouse.  There was a little more sitting around than usual because the cement truck was apparently on Haitian time.  A few people did keep busy starting a new section of the roof.

After lunch, we got in the canter and headed for the orphanage that we delivered food to a couple days ago.  We had a special relationship with these kids since we spent extra time with them when we delivered their supplies.

We surprised the kids with soccer balls, jump ropes and stickers.  The smiles on these kids lit up their faces as they ran to meet us.  Instantly everyone separated and had one or more little ones hanging from them.  There were balls being kicked around, kids showing off and jumping rope, and other's simply clinging to us with a desperate desire for love and attention.  A couple of women were in the middle of the area washing little outfits by hand with soap and water.

After the free time, we got together to sing.  As Gentry strummed the guitar, angelic voices filled the air with a song.  The kids mostly made a side-by-side line to sing but a very small boy stood in front.  This boy especially grabbed our attention with his animated singing and obvious dedication for the task with almost a scowl of concentration as he made exaggerated hand gestures to go along with his singing.

Karl then organized a few party games and had us all laughing in a common language by the end.  The kids were so determined to have with us as partners that we ended up with 2 or even 3 of them.

Once the games wound down, we got together to put on a play for the kids.  Luckily the kids didn't seem to know the difference (or care) that we couldn't act and, for the most part, had our roles told to us on the fly.  We used the story of Joseph and the multi-colored coat to teach about sharing and forgiveness.

As the time to leave approached, we were heart-broken not only by having to break the grasp of the children clinging to us but we also had to round up and take back all of the toys we brought with us (except the stickers).  MOH has decided that they do not want us to be seen as people giving gifts but as people spreading the word and helping to rebuild the country.  While it pained us to do this we agree with the purpose.

The ride home was a time for worship as we sang songs in harmony with Gentry's guitar and percussion provided by our translator expertly banging on the top of a cooler.  When Gentry ran out of songs to play, the translator would yell out more to keep the praise going strong.  We ended up singing the whole way home.

This was a monumental  personal experience for me personally because I sang these songs as well for the first time in my life.  As I watched out the back I could see Haitians waving to us and a few lips seemed to say "Jesus".  The best part  is that no one even noticed.  My personal journey is far from over but I have definitely taken a baby step today.

Joe H